Cadet-inspired broker plans cross-country walk

John Coté takes a morning walk on the sand above Torrey Pines State Beach as he prepares for his cross-country trek, starting April 1. Coté will donate the money raised during the walk to Fisher House, an organization that helps wounded military service members.
— Howard Lipin / Unioin-Tribune

John Coté takes a morning walk on the sand above Torrey Pines State Beach as he prepares for his cross-country trek, starting April 1. Coté will donate the money raised during the walk to Fisher House, an organization that helps wounded military service members.
— Howard Lipin / Unioin-Tribune

“I am excited for him. It is a huge undertaking. We are all rooting for him,” Cabrey said.

Coté’s six-foot frame has melted from 255 pounds to 220 during his months of training.

By the time he began the descent to La Jolla Shores beach on that March morning, the city was awakening. Cars buzzed by as he bounced along the sidewalk. Coté flipped his sunglasses down and picked up the pace.

Reaching the shore at last, Coté saw surfers carving through waist-high waves. “This is my favorite part,” he said. The ocean gently rose and fell, like the world taking a breath. But Coté had no time to catch his.

It was 9 a.m. and he had eight more miles to cover before heading to work. The hill ahead was steep. Coté kept walking.